Senate thanks its fellows for taking part in majesty of democracy

Since the Senate has, technically, completed its session for over a week now, the chamber said farewell to many of the young people taking part in its fellowship program. Democratic leader Malcolm Smith thanked them for their contribution to “one of the most distinguished bodies in this country” (Webster’s on “distinguished”: “marked by eminence … or excellence”) during today’s five-minute extraordinary session No. 15.

After the session adjourned, Dean Skelos took a moment to agree with the Attorney General that any attempt by the governor to name a new lieutenant governor would not pass constitutional muster.

Pedro Espada Jr., well-fed after lunch with the other former members of the Gang of Four today, predicted a “quantum leap” in the information flow coming to members of the Democratic conference about possible elements of a resolution to the stalemate.

“They need that information so they can squarely arrive at a conclusion,” Espada said. “I’m rather amazed that the leadership has not provided them with the kind of information you guys (in the media) have.”

Espada said that any plan that didn’t legitimize the events of June 8 was “doomed to fail.”

In a rare sign of apparent conflict within the Gang, Espada said Diaz constantly sticks either him or Carl Kruger with the lunch bill — and today was Kruger’s turn.